October 1989, Page 29

Islam in America

By Uzra Zeya

As America's Muslim population steadily increases, Islamic organizations are successfully meeting the challenge of providing a strong communal base for the practice of this nation's fastest growing religion. At present, Islamic associations and mosques are in operation in nearly every major American urban center, with some 600 of such organizations in existence nationwide. However, with estimates placing the Muslim population of the US at close to 3 million, it is clear that Islamic groups must go beyond the realm of religious practice to address community concerns in the local and national political arenas, as well.

Such progress on the political front cannot come easily. Muslims are disadvantaged both by their overall lack of grassroots mobilization, and their status as relative newcomers to the flurry of lobbyists, media campaigners, and party strategists who make up America's so-called power game. It thus comes as no surprise that, up until recent years, Muslims have been largely ignored as a consituency, with their contributions within the realm of public affairs going virtually unnoticed.

Efforts are underway, however, to enhance Muslim participation in the US decision-making process, by assuming a more active role in relevant social and political issues. Leading the effort to galvanize Muslims politically is the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC), based in Los Angeles, CA. Founded in late 1987, MPAC has undertaken a dual mission in community affairs: first, to keep Muslims attuned to the latest political development affecting their interests, and secondly, to make politicians aware of the Islamic community's presence through direct, positive interaction.

To date, MPAC has enjoyed successes in both capacities. Through letter writing campaigns, MPAC's leaders have encouraged Muslims to speak up on a variety of issues, including America's unquestioning aid for Israel. Recently, MPAC coordinated efforts with the National Association of Arab-Americans and the American Arab Institute to voice opposition to SJR-40, a draft bill in the California state Assembly pledging support for Yitzhak Shamir's proposed election plan for Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied territories. MPAC has also assumed an active role in campaigns for social justice, drawing attention to the rise in reported incidents of police brutality in the area, and sponsoring programs for the spiritual rehabilitation and counseling of inmates in the California state prison system.

MPAC has also succeeded in its efforts to voice Muslim concerns directly to public officials in California. MPAC officials have maintained direct contact with Rep. Matthew Martinez (D-CA), Rep. Mervyn Dymally (D-CA), and Rep. Carlos Moorhead (R-CA), in addition to a recent meeting with the chief of staff for Rep. Glen Anderson (D-CA). MPAC has concluded that regular dialogue with elected leaders is essential to the positive integration of Muslims into the US decision-making process. Such cooperation is a primary target of MPAC efforts.

As part of its mission to provide a public forum for discussion of issues of interest to Muslims, MPAC regularly sponsors lectures and seminars open to the general public. On Nov. 5, 1989, MPAC will convene a conference entitled, "American International Interests and the Muslim World," with special guest speaker Sheikh Ahmed Zaki Yamani, former oil minister of Saudi Arabia. Such an event represents a rare opportunity for discussion of US foreign policy from a highly informed Muslim viewpoint. Sheikh Yamani was a key player in the evolution of US policy in the Arab world for two decades.

For more information on this and other activities, contact MPAC at (213) 383-3443 or write to MPAC, 3010 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 217, Los Angeles, CA 90010.

Muslims Encouraged to Participate in Housing Rally

Recently, the nation's capital has also been the site of renewed political activism on the part of Muslims. Executive Director Abdul Rahman al-Amoudi of the International Institute of Islamic Thought in Herndon, Virginia, who also serves on the steering committee of the National Rainbow Coalition, is encouraging Muslims to take part in the Housing Now Rally, a national march and congressional door knock campaign in Washington, DC, focusing on homelessness in America. The event, from Oct. 5-7, 1989, consists of two days of constituent meetings with congressmen, followed by a march to the steps of the US Capitol.

A great many Muslims are expected to join tens of thousands of participants in the October 7 rally. For more information on the march, contact Mr. Al-Amoudi at (703) 471-1133, or call Donna Brazile or Sarita Bernard at the offices of the Rainbow Coalition (202) 347-2405.

Uzra Zeya is a staff member of the American Educational Trust and a free-lance writer specializing in Islamic affairs.